Chul B. Park - Böcker

Polylactide Foams: Fundamentals, Manufacturing, and Applications provides an introduction to the fundamental science behind plastic foams, polylactic acid) and polylactide foaming, giving designers tactics to replace traditional resins with sustainable and biodegradable materials. The book then delves deeper into the technology behind PLA foaming, such as PLA/gas mixture characteristics, solubility, interfacial tension behaviors and crystallization kinetics of various types of PLA and their compounds. The foaming behaviors and mechanisms of various types of PLA and PLA compounds are extensively analyzed and discussed through different manufacturing technologies, namely extrusion foaming, foam injection molding and bead foaming.

Interest in Poly(lactic acid) and PLA foams is extremely high - particularly as a potential replacement for styrenic resins - and the price of PLA resin is lower than ever before. This biopolymer has significant potential to improve the sustainability of the plastics industry. Polylactide Foams have a range of potential applications, such as in construction, packaging, insulation, biomedical scaffolds, and others. However, processing and performance of PLA are not at the same level as other non-biodegradable resins.

Introduces the concepts behind foaming, poly(lactic acid) and PLA foaming Supports further research and development in PLA foams by covering the state-of-the-art in different manufacturing and processing methods Provides practical guidance for materials scientists and engineers in industry looking to replace traditional polymer resins with a sustainable, biodegradable alternative

Addresses a Growing Need for the Development of Cellular and Porous Materials in IndustryBuilding blocks used by nature are motivating researchers to create bio-inspired cellular structures that can be used in the development of products for the plastic, food, and biomedical industry. Representing a unified effort by international experts, Biofoams: Science and Applications of Bio-Based Cellular and Porous Materials highlights the latest research and development of biofoams and porous systems, and specifically examines the aspects related to the formation of gas bubbles in drink and food. The book offers a detailed analysis of bio-polymers and foaming technologies, biodegradable and sustainable foams, biomedical foams, food foams, and bio-inspired foams.Explores the Generation of New Materials with Wide-Ranging Technological ApplicabilityThis book introduces the science, technologies, and applications related to the use of biopolymers and biomaterials in the development of porous structures. It presents topics that include bio-based polymers for the development of biodegradable and sustainable polymeric foams, foams in food, foams in biomedical applications, biohybrids, and bio-inspired cellular and porous systems. It also includes recent studies on the design of polymer-based composites and hybrid scaffolds, weighs in on the challenges related to the production of porous polymers, and presents relevant examples of cellular architecture present in nature. In addition, this book: Focuses on materials compatible with natural tissuesDiscusses the engineering of bio-inspired scaffolds with the ability to mimic living tissueReveals how to use renewable resources to develop more sustainable lightweight materialsIllustrates the state of the art of porous scaffold and process techniques A book dedicated to material science, Biofoams: Science and Applications of Bio-Based Cellular and Porous Materials focuses on food technology, polymers and composites, biomedical, and chemical engineering, and examines how the principles used in the creation of cellular structures can be applied in modern industry.

Polymers are among the major hallmarks of 20th-century science, and the explosive outgrowth and tremendous importance of polymeric foams is a testament to their amazing versatility and unique properties. With applications from automotive to acoustic and medical, polymeric foams pervade all areas of our lives. If this growth is to continue into the new millennium, especially in light of stringent environmental regulations, a strong understanding of the basic science and the major technologies behind foam production is critical.Written by experienced and accomplished leaders in the field, Polymeric Foams: Science and Technology provides comprehensive coverage of the fundamentals, technologies, applications, and recent developments. The authors first outline the basic principles and fundamental foaming mechanisms, covering thermodynamics, kinetics, and the basics of blowing agents and foam formation. Foaming technologies and product applications then become the focus, with explanations of structure-property relationships, processing methods, and general types of foams. The book concludes with chapters on recent developments in composite and biodegradable foams that illustrate how to tailor processing to meet application needs.Illuminating the role of polymeric foams in the modern materials landscape, Polymeric Foams: Science and Technology is the perfect guide for developing innovative materials that achieve better performance and regulatory compliance.

Combining the science of foam with the engineering of extrusion processes, Foam Extrusion: Principles and Practice delivers a detailed discussion of the theory, design, processing, and application of degradable foam extraction. In one comprehensive volume, the editors present the collective expertise of leading academic, research, and industry specialists while laying the scientific foundation in such a manner that the microscopic transition from a nucleus to a void (nucleation) and macroscopic movement from a void to an object (formation) are plausibly addressed. To keep pace with significant improvements in foam extrusion technology, this Second Edition: Includes new chapters on the latest developments in processing/thermal management, rheology/melt strength, and biodegradable and sustainable foamsFeatures extensive updates to chapters on extrusion equipment, blowing agents, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foam, and microcellular innovationContains new coverage of cutting-edge foaming mechanisms and technology, as well as new case studies, examples, and figuresCapturing the interesting evolution of the field, Foam Extrusion: Principles and Practice, Second Edition provides scientists, engineers, and product development professionals with a modern, holistic view of foam extrusion to enhance research and development and aid in the selection of the optimal screw, die design, and foaming system.